A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter over the collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker in the North Sea, Humberside Police said.
The tanker was operating as part of the US government’s Tanker Security Programme, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.
According to reports, the cargo ship was carrying sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water, but it was unclear if there had been any leak.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also launching a separate preliminary assessment to establish the causes of the crash involving the Portuguese vessel Solong and US tanker Stena Immaculate on Monday.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson said: “Humberside Police have taken primacy for the investigation of any potential criminal offences which arise from the collision between the two vessels.
“Extensive work has already been carried out and we are working closely with our partners to understand what happened, and to provide support to all of those affected.
“Following inquiries undertaken by my team, we have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision, this follows the conclusion of search operations by HM Coastguard for the missing crew member of the Solong.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the missing crew member and I have appointed family liaison officers to make contact and provide support to the family.
“The man arrested remains in custody at this time whilst inquiries are under way and we continue speaking with all those involved to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”